Drip coffee machine

Abstract

The present technology relates to drip coffee makers, and more particularly to the interconnection between a filter basket, its container and its dispensing vessel facing it. In one form, the coffee maker has a base, a body extending upwardly from the base, a platform having an upwardly facing surface and a coupling portion, and a filter basket, the platform being supported by the body and extending outwardly from the body, wherein the filter basket includes: a downwardly facing bottom surface supported on the upwardly facing surface; a recess located in the bottom surface of the filter basket to receive the coupling portion of the platform; at least one downwardly facing locating structure that cooperates with the platform to help align the filter basket with the platform; and wherein the upwardly facing surface of the platform includes at least one upwardly facing locating structure that engages with the downwardly facing locating structure to at least help locate the filter basket in an engaged position with the coupling portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201880033740.1, application date May 31, 2018, and invention name “Drip Coffee Machine”. Technical Field

[0002] The present technology relates to drip coffee makers and, more particularly, to the interconnection between a filter basket, its container and its opposite dispensing vessel. Background Art

[0003] Drip coffee makers have a filter basket. The filter basket is configured to contain a filter that separates the coffee brewed therein from the discharge port of the basket. Devices using paper filters are well known. In a popular configuration, the filter basket is placed into a jug. Eliminating unwanted or unnecessary discharge (leakage) from the filter basket is a significant advantage. Unless the jug is adequately aligned to receive the output of the filter basket, any output from the filter basket is undesirable. The problem is exacerbated when the acceptable range of misalignment between the filter basket and the jug is small.

[0004] Some kettles, particularly insulated kettles, have relatively small inlets. A smaller inlet provides more insulation in the kettle's lid. Known prior art includes kettles with insulated lids and small inlets that cooperate with anti-drip valves that regulate the output of the filter basket. Such arrangements effectively prevent unwanted draining and dripping, and also provide a well-insulated kettle in which beverages remain hotter for longer periods of time.

[0005] However, in that type of coffee machine, it is often required that the filter basket (and sometimes the jug) be aligned with each other and with the coffee machine supporting them within a specific and limited range of orientations.

[0006] Because both the filter basket and the pitcher typically have handles, common orientations include one or both handles facing forward, or alternating toward one side or the other.

[0007] Consumers of such devices would prefer not to be constrained by the manner in which the filter basket and pitcher need to be aligned during use.

[0008] Filter baskets are known to have anti-drip valves. The drain valve selectively controls the outflow of brewed coffee from the filter basket. Conventionally, the anti-drip valve is biased into a closed position and must be actuated to permit outflow from the filter basket. Manual and electromechanical actuation of the drain valve is known. However, because the mechanical anti-drip valve actuator is physically close to the outlet of the filter basket, drained coffee may wick or otherwise accumulate on the filter basket. This leakage and accumulation is unavoidable to some extent, but can be managed.

[0009] Effective cooperation between the actuator and the drain valve of the filter basket requires a specific relationship between the components.

[0010] Because the actuator is preferably operated by a kettle inserted beneath it and because the actuator contact surface of the kettle may be spring biased upwards, the relative spring forces of the anti-drip valve and kettle must be configured to cooperate. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present technology provides a mechanical connection between a filter basket and a jug.

[0012] In some embodiments, the present technology provides a drip coffee maker having a filter basket support platform. The platform cooperates with the connection between the filter basket and optionally the pot.

[0013] The present technology provides a drip coffee machine, the filter of which has an anti-drip valve. Both the filter basket and the pot can be inserted and used regardless of the orientation of the handle of either one.

[0014] The present technology provides a filter basket receiving platform and a vertical edge that cooperates with the bottom side of the filter basket in a drip coffee machine. In some embodiments, the filter basket is interlocked with a portion of the platform.

[0015] In other embodiments of the present technology, the bottom side of the filter basket has a wide tapered guide that leads to a receiving opening surrounding the central outlet of the filter basket.

[0016] In other embodiments, the anti-drip valve has a central outlet that produces a concentrated flow.

[0017] In other embodiments, the actuator is a ring having a central opening with a cylindrical sidewall. In some embodiments, the upper and lower edges of the cylindrical sidewall are sharply rounded.

[0018] In some other embodiments of the present technology, the bottom side of the filter basket carries a locator that is captured within a circular track formed on the upper surface of the filter basket support platform.

[0019] The present technology also provides a pitcher having a valve activation surface that is biased upwardly to enter a recessed area above a lower surface of a filter basket support platform. The contact surface interacts with an actuator.

[0020] The actuator interacts with the basket's anti-drip valve. The drain valve has a central opening that drains through the actuator and into an aligned opening in the contact surface. Thus, liquid flows out of the filter basket and beneath it into the pitcher from the centerline of the filter basket, through the center of the actuator, and through the center of the opening in the contact surface.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present technology, the contact surface comprises, in the region of its inlet, a spherical main surface in which an inlet is formed. There is a funnel-shaped transition between the spherical surface and the opening. Preferably, the transition between the spherical surface and the opening lacks a distinct edge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to better understand the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drip coffee machine.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the filter basket showing the guide or guide.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the platform of the coffee machine.

[0026] Figure 4 is a cross-section through the filter basket, platform and actuator.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-section through the filter basket, platform and actuator.

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-section through the filter basket, platform and actuator.

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the electric cam.

[0030] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the pot and lid.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the underside of the filter basket and anti-drip valve.

[0032] Fig.10 is a perspective view of the platform and actuator.

[0033] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the interlocking of the filter basket with the platform, below which is the actuator.

[0034] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of the platform and filter basket.

[0035] Fig.13 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the anti-drip valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the drip coffee machine 100 has a main body 101 .

[0037] The body 101 has a base 102 adapted to accommodate a jug 103. The jug 103 is insertable and movable under a fixed platform 104 forming part of the body 101.

[0038] The body 101 may support a pivoting or preferably fixed cover 105. In some embodiments, the cover may have an internal drain head 106 that cooperates with a supply line 107 that carries hot water from within the body 101. In some embodiments, the water tank of the body is at the same vertical height as the upper surface of the cover 105. In other embodiments, the drain head is carried by the body 101 rather than the cover.

[0039] When the cover 105 or discharge head 106 is in place, the filter basket 111 can be removed from the platform 104.

[0040] The jug 103 and the filter basket 111 both have handles 112, 113. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the handle 112 of the kettle can be positioned at any angular orientation that is not prohibited by the body 101 during insertion, use, and removal. This represents an angular travel or range of about 270 degrees. The techniques described herein will show how a filter basket with a drip-proof valve can also be inserted within a range of angular orientations 114 (approximately 20 degrees to 270 degrees) to fit the kettle, that is, limited only by the presence of the body 101 or other obstructions (such as the user's hand).

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bottom side 200 of the filter basket 201 has a groove 202 that forms a ramp or tapered guide in the central hole 203. The groove 202 includes a flat or horizontal guide surface 217 that defines one edge 218 of the hole 203. The flat guide surface 217 is used to contact the upper edge 307 of the coupling 303, and the ramp 202 is used to contact the tapered or chamfered edge 302 of the upper edge 302 of the platform. The side walls 215, 216 of the ramp taper or narrow toward the hole 203 and guide the coupling 303 into place. The lower surface or contact surface 205 of the outlet valve or anti-drip valve of the filter basket is located within the hole 203. The valve surface 205 is preferably a portion of a sphere, or is otherwise smoothly curved. The surface 205 has a central opening 206 through which the brewed coffee is discharged out of the filter basket 201. In this example, the exiting coffee flow is centralized and ordered by means of a set of fins 207 that intersect along a common axis 208 in the center of the fins 207. The exiting flow is formed around and along the axis 208.

[0042] The lowermost surface 204 of the filter basket may include a set of locating structures 212. In this example, each locating structure is a protruding spherical or rounded tip 213. The tip 213 may be retractable. In this example, the number of structures 212 is three and they are located around a common radius from the axis 208. All three structures 212 engage and cooperate with structures on the upper surface of the platform 104.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the platform 104 has an upper surface 300 with a circumferential groove 301 formed therein. The upper edge 302 of the platform is rounded or tapered to lead into the groove 301. The lower portion of the edge may also be tapered. The raised male coupling portion or rim 303 is raised above the level of the groove sufficient to circumferentially engage the hole 203 and be positioned in the bottom side of the filter basket through the hole 203 when the outer portion 303 of the coupling portion contacts or is stopped by the hole. This occurs when the filter basket is inserted.

[0044] The male coupling structure 303 has a central through opening 305 which receives the upper part of the anti-drip valve's actuator 306. When the actuator 306 is raised, it acts on the anti-drip valve's contact surface 205, allowing fluid to flow across said surface.

[0045] like Figure 4 4. As shown, the actuator 400 is supported for pivotal movement about a retaining pin 401. Depressing the distal end 402 of the actuator causes it to pivot and contact the bottom side 403 of the basket's discharge valve 405. The discharge valve 405 is located at the lowest point of the basket's internal filter chamber 406. The valve 405 is biased downward (toward the actuator) by a spring 407. When the valve element 408, which is moved by the actuator, is lifted, the brewed coffee flows through a small valve stem or shaft 410 and flows through a central discharge port 409 in the actuator. The shaft 410 is supported by a set of radial fins 413 to slide in a larger opening 411 in the filter basket compartment 412.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, lifting the valve body 408 opens the seal 501, which allows brewed coffee to enter the opening 502 in the valve body. In this example, the lifting force is provided by the linear movement 503 of a tab or mechanical finger 505. The finger 505 can be made of Figure 7 The illustrated motorized cam 504 is driven or otherwise actuated.

[0047] Figure 5 It is also illustrated that the protruding locating structure 506 may have a tip 507 that is biased in place by a compression spring 508 captured between the tip 507 and a portion of the filter basket 509. It is also illustrated that chamfers, tapers or curvatures are provided around the upper edge 520 and lower edge 521 of the platform 104 that contact the filter basket when inserted.

[0048] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the working head of the actuator 510 includes an annular or donut-shaped structure having a central passage 511. The passage 511 is generally cylindrical or tapered toward a wider opening at the discharge end of the passage 511. The upper and lower ends of the passage 511 are sharply rounded 512, 513 and are more sharply rounded than the rest of the outer portion 514 of the head 510. This serves to collect and manage leaks. The diameter of the upper extent of the passage 511 is slightly offset and wider than the discharge passage 502. This takes into account the movement of the actuator and minimizes the possibility of the discharge flow taking a path above the outer portion 514. The parallel or cylindrical walls of the passage 511 and the rounded edges 512, 513 together minimize the accumulation of fluid on the head 510, particularly in the central flow path.

[0049] The rounding 512 is smooth enough to make a satisfactory sliding engagement with the contact surface 802 of the kettle, which makes the kettle engage with the anti-drip valve. Similarly, the upper edge 513 of the head is smooth enough to make a sliding engagement with the bottom surface 404 of the anti-drip valve 405 and the guide 202.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the insulated kettle 600 has an insulated lid 601. The lid has a spring-biased contact surface 602 that is capable of driving an actuator 603 into an anti-drip valve 604. In a preferred embodiment, it is desirable to have the upper or extended position of the contact surface 602 terminate at a vertical height above the bottom surface 605 of the fixed platform 104. The biased contact surface 602 reciprocates to better pass under the platform 104 and then extends upward into the through opening 305 to contact the head 510. The bottom front edge 606 of the platform is chamfered to guide the contact surface 602.

[0051] In order to both pass under the platform 104 and ultimately achieve positioning above the lower surface 605 of the platform, the lid contact surface 602 is biased upward by a second compression spring 609. The spring force of the second spring 609 must be sufficient to overcome the spring force of the spring 407 to maintain the closed anti-drip valve 604. However, the spring force must not be too strong so as not to interfere with the insertion of the jug into its filling position.

[0052] like Figure 7As shown, the finger 505 driving the actuator 400 can be driven or propelled by an electrically powered rotating cam 700. The finger 505 is captured for reciprocating motion and is biased away from its extended position by a compression spring 701. In a preferred embodiment, the head 702 of the finger 701 or the cam itself 700 interacts with a switch 703 or sensor that transmits a signal 704 to a processor 705 of the device. The switch or sensor 703 provides information about the positioning of the actuator to the processor. The processor 705 also controls the movement of the cam 700 by transmitting a power signal to an electric motor 706 located within a housing 707, which supports the cam 700, the finger 500, and optionally the switch or sensor 703.

[0053] like Figure 8 As shown, the contact surface 800 of the pot cover 801 has a spherical or otherwise curved upper surface 802. The entire surface 802 falls away from the high point represented by the imaginary diameter 803 around the inlet 804. In this example, the contact buffer 800 has parallel side walls 805, which allow the contact buffer to reliably reciprocate through the flat side grooves 806 formed in the cover. The side walls 805 also hide the second spring 609 from view.

[0054] The inlet 804 consists of a radius or smoothly curved funnel 807. The funnel 807 falls away from the diameter 803 and merges into a centrally located straight vertical channel 808 that leads to the interior of the kettle. The spherical or curved configuration of the upper surface 802 allows the kettle to be inserted into engagement with the actuator 400 at any angle orientation of the kettle handle 112 relative to the body 101.

[0055] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 An alternative embodiment of the engagement between the platform 104 and the filter basket 901 is illustrated. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, other than the cover, there is no mechanical engagement or interference between the filter basket and the platform that would prevent unwanted movement of the filter basket once it is in place. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 1 , the bottom side 900 of the filter basket 901 has a lip or overhang 902 that creates a partially circumferential slot 903. The slot 903 created by the overhang 902 accommodates the circular head 1000. Fig.10 As shown, the head 1000 is raised above the upper surface of the platform by a cylindrical neck 1001 and may be removable. The outer edge 1002 is radially inward of the circumferential groove 1003. The head 1000 has a central opening 1004 through which the anti-drip valve actuator 1005 can engage and disengage the contact surface of the anti-drip valve 205.

[0056] The ramp 904 leads to a flat guide portion 905 that is flush with the edge 906 of the hole 907. This guide area may include a laterally narrowed guide surface 908 for guiding the outer edge 1002 into the slot 903. When coupled, the peripheral wall of the slot 903 accommodates the edge 1002 and may be in contact with the edge 1002. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the ramp surface 904 mates with a tapered or chamfered edge 1006 of the platform, while the flat guide portion 905 mates with an upwardly facing surface of the head 1000 .

[0057] like Fig.11 As shown, the edge 1002 of the male coupling structure is considered to be Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The slot 903 formed by the overhanging edge 902 is shown to carry.

[0058] Fig.12 illustrate Figure 2 and Figure 3 An alternative arrangement where Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is suggested that the upstanding cylindrical coupling structure 303 nests within the hole 203 on the bottom side of the filter basket 201 .

[0059] Fig.13 An anti-drip valve 1300 for a filter basket 1301 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the bottom side 1302 of the filter basket has a central opening 1304 surrounded by a raised sealing rim 1303. A reciprocating sealing element 1305 has a small central shaft 1306 that supports (in this example) a set of four spaced fins 1307. The fins 1307 guide the element 1305 within the rim 1303. The fins also increase the surface area in the central flow region to promote wicking close to the shaft 1306. The lower edge of the fin 1313 may be tapered. The lower end of the fin 1307 secures the circular contact surface 1308 of the valve to the shaft 1306. The upper head of the shaft 1306 has a circumferential groove 1309 that carries the polymer seal 1308. The lowermost tip 1311 of the shaft 1306 protrudes from the bottom side of the valve element 1312 to form a wick and define a central wicking axis. The sealing element 1305 is biased downward (toward the actuator) by a compression spring 1310 carried between the contact surface 1308 and the bottom side of the filter compartment 1302. Unless acted upon by the actuator or vessel, the spring 1310 drives the seal 1308 into engagement with the sealing rim 1303. When the reciprocating valve element 132 is lifted, liquid flows over the rim 1303, thereby forming separate flow areas that reunite into a single stream once the liquid flows over the fins 1307.

[0060] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0061] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives "first," "second," "third," etc. to describe common objects merely indicates that different examples of the same object are referenced and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must have a given sequence in time, space, in rank, or in any other manner.

[0062] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an example" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or example, but may refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

[0063] Similarly, it should be understood that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various features of the present invention are sometimes combined together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof, in order to simplify the present disclosure and facilitate understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, this disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than those expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, inventive aspects lie in less than all the features of a single preceding disclosed embodiment. Any claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim itself serving as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] In addition, although some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments but do not include other features, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the combination of features of different embodiments is intended to be within the scope of the invention and to form different embodiments. For example, in the appended claims, any claimed embodiment may be used in any combination.

[0065] Therefore, while there have been described what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

[0066] While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to specific details of construction, it should be understood that these are provided by way of example and not as limitations on the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A coffee machine, comprising: base; a body extending upwardly from the base; a platform having an upwardly facing surface, the platform supported by the body and extending outwardly from the body, the platform including an actuator; wherein the actuator comprises an annular working head having a central channel and a cylindrical side wall, and Therein, the upper edge and the lower edge of the cylindrical side wall are sharply rounded relative to the exterior of the working head.

2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The central passage is cylindrical or tapered toward a wider opening at the discharge end of the central passage.

3. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The coffee machine also includes a filter basket, and Wherein, the radius of the upper edge of the cylindrical side wall is substantially smooth to allow sliding engagement with the valve of the filter basket.

4. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The coffee machine further comprises a pot having a lid having a contact surface, and wherein the radius of the lower edge of the cylindrical side wall is substantially smooth to allow sliding engagement with the contact surface of the lid.

5. The coffee machine according to claim 3, wherein: The diameter of the upper portion of the central passage is slightly offset and wider than the discharge passage of the valve of the filter basket.

Images